22 September 2010

If you are so inclined, pack your sleeping bag and tumbleweed dreams and head to Marfa for the annual Trans-Pecos Festival of Music and Love. I haven't been since the first year and each year seems to get better and better. The 2010 line-up includes music Friday and Saturday, installations and tee-pee happenings, a baseball game featuring Austin's Texas Playboys vs. Los Yonke Gallos de Marfa, a LIVESTRONG 100k bike ride, and if I'm not mistaken a knitted travel trailer.

12 September 2010

My husband said something funny to me when we were in the Davis Mountains. Aloud he wondered if he had ever liked camping at all, or just gone along with family vacations and teenage scout trips. So our trip became a chance to figure out if he really liked it, or if it was habit or nostalgia. Then I started wondering if I liked it either. We decided to find out all over again because it's something we want to do with our future family. We know we like road trips and the Texas sky. But did we like being cold and surrounded by javelinas at three in the morning? I decided then and there that I still loved it. Because really, these are the moments you remember. Not how comfortable your bed is after is after all.

08 September 2010

The camping trip was a grand success, except for underestimating how chilly it would be in the mountains at night. Next time we will throw in some extra blankets. When you live through Texas summers year after year, it's hard to imagine what it feels like to be cold. Highlights & recommendations are a trip up to the McDonald Observatory, a swim in Balmorhea, the hike that starts from the Indian Lodge parking lot and offers stunning panoramic views and a picnic in the Lawrence Wood park. We did not make it to Marfa or Big Bend or Terlingua or any of the other great places on this trip. It was nice to set up our camp and just stay put for a few days and really explore.

26 August 2010

With my teens and twenties well behind me, when I camp these days I like to be more comfy. The lovely Joanna of Cup of Jo addressed camping recently, saying that she wanted to like camping, but she never really took to it. Below are some ideas to get the non-campers in your group of family or friends on board. Of course there is always the option of finding a location that offers a place for tents and nearby lodging. You can swap campfire s'mores for hotel showers and everyone is happy.

Happy Camping* :

1. Aerobed or air mattress. Make sure you have adapter so you can inflate with car outlet if there is no electricity at campsite. Speaking from past experience, make sure air mattress fits in tent. Bring bedding and pillows from home and make it cozy.

2. Coffee. Highly recommend the individual french press cup if you want something better than instant. GSI and REI both make good ones.

3. If you are going to be setting up campsite later in the day, pack a picnic so you don't have to worry about cooking and get right into the spirit of eating outdoors.

4. Chocolate & Nuts & Snacks. Nothing worse than low blood sugar when you are away from home & far from grocery stores. Granola or oatmeal and happy bowls for the morning. Pre-plan meals in advance in case you you can't find what you need close to your campsite.

* Disclaimer- This is not an exhaustive packing list, it hits the main ideas of comfort & safety. Both are needed for a fun car camping outing. Remember that since you aren't backpacking, you can pack items that are not necessities.

25 August 2010

Although I confess to occasionally pining for a VW Camper or even a little travel trailer, I love a tent and a starry night. It does not surprise me that the NY Times recently reported that being in nature and "unplugged" is very beneficial. We are gearing up for our first camping trip of the late summer season, and are looking forward to the fall. Texas, as mentioned in other posts, has so many great spots to explore. I had been thinking about Big Bend Ranch State Park, but have decided to wait on that adventure until it is cooler and we have more than a three day weekend. Instead we are going to the Davis Mountains State Park. We stayed here years ago at the Indian Lodge, which is a good spot for non campers. The lodge was built under the Civilian Conservation Corps program and the historic rooms were recently restored to the 1930s era, undoing the 1960s redo. Whether you sleep outside or in, here's hoping you get the chance to visit this magical place in West Texas.

20 August 2010

Do not miss this exhibition at the McNay in San Antonio. It is up through September 12th. Keep in mind that admission is free on Thursday evenings and free every day for active military personnel through Labor Day. No excuses to not be dazzled. The show includes work by Louise Nevelson, Barbara Hepworth, Georgia O'Keefe and Joan Mitchell.

19 August 2010

Below are some great recommendations from the creative & talented Jenny Little. I love her hand screened art, especially her baby goods and stationary.

1. Current preferred Texas getaway?

I am from San Antonio originally, but I just moved back after living in Brooklyn and Denver, so in a way I am rediscovering Texas as an adult since I moved away at 18. I really really want to go to Marfa, Texas I have heard such great things about it. I would love to stay at Chinati Hot Springs. I am lover of all things hot springs so this place looks great.

At this great gem of a restaurant called Liberty Bistro it New Braunfels, TX in the basement of the old city hall building. The menu is super local fresh American cooking. Yummy cocktails, super good food and a really beautiful setting it is unbeatable. OH yeah the prices are fabo!

3. Recent discovery (vintage find, great book, activity, etc)?

I sadly just finished the fantastic book Shataram. I don't know why I had never heard of it before because it is now one of my favorite books ever. Most of the book is based on the writers life and what a life he has had! I recommend this book to anyone who will listen.

4. Project you are excited about?

Moving to Portland! I just visited for the first time and I am planning on moving there within 2 years! I am very excited about undertaking that project. New city and new things to discover. Moving is one of my favorite things. It allows you to push yourself into things that are necessarily that comfortable. Sometimes it can be lonely at first but you learn to rely on yourself to make things happen which can build a ton of inner strength.

5. Song you want to listen to over and over?

I am pretty in love with the new Avett Brothers album and have been playing ten thousand thousand words (a song from the album) over and over and over. Its got just the right amount of Texas twang in it!

10 August 2010

It's hard to decide where to go next in this big state. I find myself planning trips based on average temperatures, instead of throwing some stuff in the car and being on my way. Not very spontaneous, but the August heat makes you think about survival. So, Texas in the fall, after the first cold front... Thinking about going somewhere new, Big Bend Ranch State Park. For those who do not enjoy camping, this park offers a small selection of indoor accommodations, see photos below of the lovely looking Sauceda Ranch House.

28 July 2010

Many thanks to design*sponge for introducing me to the work of Tanya Aguiñiga. Her work is a multifaceted exploration of textiles, furniture and installations. She is also a catalyst for change and collaboration- her current project is called Artists Helping Artisans (AHA). Tanya writes that AHA is, "the marriage of [her] two loves, community work and craft. AHA will focus on helping artisans in communities whose craft traditions of livelihoods are at risk." For more information about AHA, find it here. I have included some photographs below of her work and her home via a design*sponge sneak peek.